In 1889 a carpenter and contractor from the town of Traver came to the new town of Reedley. His name was Harry F. Winnes. He first opened a small stock store in which he carried tobacco, candies, canned goods, stationary and other items. Within five years his business had grown, and he was operating a general store on the corner of ‘G’ Street and 11th Street.

By 1900 he owned two corners at ‘G’ Street and 11th Street as well as several businesses at that location. In 1912, on the southwest corner of ‘G’ Street and 11th Street, H.F. Winnes built the present building (Hotel Burgess). The first floor he used as his merchandise store and the second floor was furnished and operated as a rooming house under the name, “Hotel Winnes”. Over the years the first floor contained many other businesses such as; a furniture store, skating rink, a bank, flower shop, and jewelry store.

The intersection of ‘G’ Street and 11th Street was, and still is, the downtown center of Reedley.

In 1919, at 54 years of age, Mr. Winnes passed away. By 1922 his widow, Anna, had remodeled, added a lobby, and turned the upper portion of the building into a fine hotel. Diplomats, politicians, and even actors have looked from its windows onto the streets below.

In the early 1970’s a well known Reedley attorney, Myrtle Burgess, acquired the building and changed the name to Hotel Burgess. Mrs. Burgess loved to travel the world. On her travels she brought home treasures and various pieces to decorate the hotel. She renovated the hotel and decorated each room to represent her favorite places she visited. During your stay at Hotel Burgess you could escape to many different places by staying in rooms such as; The Polynesian Room, The English Suite, The Brazilian Room, and The Moroccan Room, to name a few.

In 2003 Michael became the proud owner of Hotel Burgess. “It has always been a dream of mine, and it is truly a dream come true for any antique collector to revive a jewel from the turn of the century”. He has been a collector since childhood and has a love for the Victorian Era. When he purchased the building it was in need of tender loving care; the building was in disarray and in need of major restoration.

The Hotel is under phase one of the renovation, there are now eighteen rooms completed.  During phase two of the renovation the suites will be upgraded with pedestal sinks and claw foot bathtubs. Phase three of the renovation will consist of incorporating a Solarium Sunroom, rose garden, and Hydrotherapy Spa on the roof. The renovation will also include a wrap around porch with individual access from the hotel rooms.

A stay at the Hotel Burgess is unlike any other. Guests can expect extraordinary accommodations at exceptional rates. Each suite features a King-sized bed, plush Victorian bedding with high thread count sheets, unique furniture, ceiling fans with remote controls, Plasma HDTVs, full service breakfast cooked to order, and hospitality second to none. The entire building, including the Hotel rooms, feature premium antiques and all are for sale.

Michael also owns and operates the Hotel Burgess Café and hopes to expand into a Steakhouse and Bar. He is grateful to be a part of such a wonderful community and appreciates the tremendous support. He has, “great hopes and visions for the Hotel and the entire community”.